825.86/3a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Bowers)
49. The Department is particularly concerned as to the danger arising from the presence of persons with known strong pro-Axis sympathies as crew members on Chilean vessels. These individuals, especially certain ones acting as radio operators and ships’ officers might be in a position to do grave damage to the Chilean merchant fleet in the event of a Chilean rupture of relations with the Axis and are, of course, a potential danger to the Panama Canal whenever they transit it. It is consequently suggested that you may wish to consult on this question with the Chilean Government or at your discretion with Chilean Line officials…
You are requested to cable the Department a list of such persons who may be on Chilean vessels in the United States or en route thereto so that appropriate action can be taken at this end.